Dodgers: Overpaying for J.T. Realmuto in a Trade Would be a Mistake

The Dodgers appear to be one of the three biggest suitors in trade talks for J.T. Realmuto along with the Reds and Padres.  While the Dodgers are the most logical fit for Realmuto, they should not overpay for him in a trade.

If the Miami Marlins are going to finally deal J.T. Realmuto away they should have a trade wrapped up before the start of spring training.  The Dodgers remain in the mix along with the Reds and Padres but given the Dodgers’ status of a World Series contender, along with a question mark at the catcher position, they are the best fit for the Marlins.

The Dodgers are loaded with catching prospects with the best one being Keibert Ruiz.  Beyond Ruiz the Dodgers still have three talented catcher prospects in Will Smith, Diego Cartaya, and Connor Wong.  The Marlins will likely want one of the Dodgers’ catching prospects along with Alex Verdugo but the Dodgers should not trade Smith or Ruiz and Verdugo for J.T. Realmuto.

While Realmuto is easily one of the top offensive catchers in the game, he still has his flaws.  One of those is that Realmuto is not a very good pitch framer, something the Dodgers value highly, and defensively he is nothing special.  Last season, Realmuto had a -15.2 runs above average rating which factors in pitch framing as well as defense.  For comparison, Yasmani Grandal and Austin Barnes were the second and third ranked catchers in baseball last season with a 13.8 and 9.8 RAA rating.

More from LA Dodgers News

• Kevin Kiermaier being ‘top target’ to replace Cody Bellinger is bad sign for Dodgers
• Giants laughably sign pitcher that Dodgers absolutely own
• Dave Roberts’ quote about Padres in NLDS should motivate Dodgers
• Former Astro seemingly takes uncalled for shot at Cody Bellinger after Cubs deal
• Dodgers’ 2023 lineup without Trea Turner isn’t as impressive as it should be

The other knock against Realmuto is that like Yasiel Puig, he does not hit lefties very well.  Over the past three seasons, J.T. has posted a .236/.301/.408 line which is much worse than his .299/.348/.466 line against right-handed pitching over the last three seasons.  In addition to his slash lines, 40 of Realmuto’s 49 home runs over the last three seasons have come against right-handed pitching.  While his .283 average against southpaws in 2017 leaves some hope, it is still clear that Realmuto does much better against righties.

Outside of his defense and lackluster results against left-handed pitchers, Realmuto would be a big upgrade offensively over Russell Martin and Austin Barnes.  The Dodgers just have to determine at what cost.  Since he will be a free agent after the 2020 season, the Dodgers could use Realmuto as a stopgap solution or sign him to an extension and lock him up as their starting catcher for at least another four to five seasons.

If the Dodgers intend on using JTR as a stopgap solution then that is even more reason not to overpay in prospect.  Andrew Friedman has shown a willingness to deal well regarded prospects in the lower levels of the Dodgers’ farm system but he has not yet dealt away a MLB ready prospect like Alex Verdugo.  If the Dodgers ultimately complete a trade for Realmuto, it would be a mistake to overpay in prospects.